Snap-on leash holder/clip which is affixed to a surfboard leash and clamps the leash onto another section of itself to prevent unraveling and also performs the exact same function on any power or extension cord

Abstract

This removable snap-on plastic cylinder with a half pipe barrel molded parallel can be affixed to a surfboard leash or any power cord, rope, etc., allowing the open barrel side to clamp onto any adjacent section of the leash or cord to prevent it from unraveling. This device represents significant improvements over other similar devices. This device does not interfere with the performance of a surfer and does not affect the performance of the surfboard leash.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/434,205, confirmation # 5110 filed Dec. 19, 2002, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Despite the many different devices to retract surfboard leashes, power cords, extension cords, ropes, hoses, etc., the design solutions are more complicated than this invention. The purpose of this device is to facilitate ease of handling and/or transporting a surfboard with a leash (by creating a simple means of affixing the leash [or cord] to itself after it has been wrapped around the surfboard so that the cord does not unravel). This invention is an unobtrusive, non-mechanical accessory that in no way affects the performance capabilities of the leash, power cord, rope, etc. to which it is attached.

[0003] In the case of inventions pertaining specifically to surfboards, existing patents are designed to be integrated leash systems as in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,725: “Retractable surfboard leash”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,805: “Retractable surfboard leash”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,492: “Reel for a surfboard leash.” These inventions are all mechanical designs utilizing spring-loaded, moving parts. In all of these patents the surfboard leash becomes a permanent component of the invention. It also should be noted that all of these patents are meant to enhance the performance of the leash while the surfboard is being used. While those inventions may be useful in the ocean, the need remains for a device that locks the leash down when it is not attached to the surfer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Broadly, this invention allows a surfer to wrap the surfboard leash around the surfboard and use the invention to clip/hold the leash in place so it will not unravel. This device does not interfere with the performance of the leash or the performance of the surfer. When used on other cords, this device does not create a performance issue either.

[0005] This device offers an improvement over other leash/cord devices. Other devices interfere with the performance of the surfer while in performance position.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0006] This snap-on surfboard leash holder/clip is a hollow plastic cylinder, which can be opened lengthwise and snapped shut repeatedly via a tab/hinge configuration. A second cylindrical shape is molded parallel to the above described cylinder in a manner similar to a double barrel shotgun. The second cylinder is open lengthwise, giving the barrel a “C” share when viewing it from either end. The purpose of the open sided barrel is to enable a surfboard leash to snap into the opening. This surfboard leash clip is designed to be used when the leash is in storage position, not when the surfboard and leash are being operated. To unclip the surfboard leash from the second cylinder one simply pulls the leash with minimal pressure at or near the point of the second cylinder and the leash will release freely from the second cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As discussed above, this invention provides an inexpensive device, which will allow a surfboard leash to stay affixed while the leash is wrapped around a surfboard for storage or transporting purposes. The device does not interfere with the performance of the surfer while the surfboard is being used in the water. This device simply attaches to the surfboard leash via a reusable hinge/tab configuration and attaches to another part of the leash simply by applying slight pressure to snap the leash into the half-barrel opening. This device is constructed of injection-molded plastic (in one piece, requiring no assembly) and contains no moving parts. This device can be used to provide the same function on other types of cords and ropes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1a. Shows first cylinder in open position via tab/hinge with second cylinder attached.

[0009] FIG. 1b. Shows first cylinder in locked/closed position with second cylinder attached.

[0010] FIG. 1c. Shows side view of first cylinder in locked/closed position with second cylinder attached giving it a “C” shape.

[0011] FIG. 1d. Shows side view of first cylinder in open position via tab/hinge with second cylinder attached giving it a “C” shape.

[0012] FIG. 2a. Shows overview of first cylinder in open position with second cylinder attached.

[0013] FIG. 2b. Shows lengthwise side view of first cylinder in locked/closed position via tab/hinge with second cylinder attached.

[0014] FIG. 3a. Shows first cylinder in open position via tab/hinge with surfboard leash fitted inside the first cylinder before closing tab/hinge.

[0015] FIG. 3b. Shows first cylinder in closed position around surfboard leash via tab/hinge.

[0016] FIG. 3c. Shows portion of the surfboard leash being fitted into the open side of the second cylinder.

[0017] FIG. 3d. Shows portion of the surfboard leash in finished position into the open side of the second cylinder.

[0018] FIG. 4a. Shows the surfboard leash in stored position where it is wrapped around the surfboard with the first cylinder attached and a portion of the leash fitted into the open end of the second cylinder.

[0019] FIG. 4b. Shows close up view of FIG. 4a.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0020] This invention relates generally to a snap-on leash/cord holder, in particular, an inexpensive removable device that keeps a surfboard leash in place so the leash will not unravel while wrapped around a surfboard.

Claims

1. This product is a non-mechanical accessory whose purpose is to prevent a surfboard leash from unraveling while it is wrapped around a surfboard when out of the water.

2. This product does not affect the performance of the leash when out of storage position.

3. This product is attached and removable by a tab/hinge configuration.

4. This product is deliberately designed to be completely unobtrusive while the leash is out of the storage position.

5. The use of this product is not limited to surfboard leashes. This product may also be used on any type of power cord, extension cord or rope.